If you crave a change of looks but don’t have time for a visit to the beauty salon, we suggest trying to braid the hair, using different techniques for unique hairstyles. These braided hairstyles for long hair lists show both simple and complex braids that you can try and do at home.
I. Fishtail Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
1. Faux Fishtail Braid with Hair Scarf
To create a faux fishtail braid you will have to divide your hair into two thick strands. Take a thin strand from the left section, and cross and incorporate it into the right section. For this particular hairstyle, you will also need to incorporate a hair scarf at the beginning by tying it at your nape in a knot.
2. Half Fishtail Braid for Long Multicolored Hair
For this particular half updo, try and make two looser sections from your front sides and start intertwining them in thin strands in one central braid.
3. Half Fishtail with Small Side Plaits for Long Wavy Blonde Hair
Take two small strands from your temples and twist them slightly bringing them to the back of your head. Start braiding the fishtail and add a couple of side plaits to create a perfect summer hairstyle.
4. Double Back Braided Fishtails Hairstyles for Long Blonde Hair
Opt for a practical updo with two fishtails swept on your back and equally parted. Secure them with two thin elastic bands.
5. Coachella Style Multiple Fishtail Braids for Ashy Blonde Hair
A festival-inspired look, these multiple fishtail braids create a beautiful casket for your long tresses. Start from your temples by creating six side fishtails and bring them together in one central braid.
6. Classic Single Fishtail Braid for Long Straight Hair
A slightly tilted fishtail, but braided in a classical style, this single black braid looks super feminine but is also a practical choice for busy days.
7. Woven Fishtail Braided Hairstyle for Long Hair
A woven braid has separate warp (long-wise elements) and weft (back and forth or shorter-wise) elements, unlike a normal braid, where the strands take turns. This woven braid looks complex but mesmerizing.
8. Dutch Fishbone Braided Hairstyles for Long Blonde Hair
This fishbone style braided dutch braid has the strands interrupted from place to place by strangulation with the same hair strands which bring a unique looking aspect.
II. Mermaid Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
9. Mermaid Tail Braided Hairstyle for Long Hair
There is nothing quite like a thick, messy mermaid tail to bring your healthy, luscious tendrils into the spotlight. Section your hair in three parts and start intertwining them.
10. High Mermaid Braided Hairstyles for Long Dark Hair
The beauty of the Mermaid Braids lies in the messiness and the unique-looking result that comes out of each hair. In this case, the braiding starts right at the back part of the crown hair and keeps all the hair together with an intricate pattern that looks both effortless and elegant.
11. High and Thick Mermaid Braided Hairstyle for Balayage Hair
Created with lots of twists and pulled-out plaits, this two-colored mermaid braid makes your hair look thicker and more voluminous.
12. Mermaid Style Messy Braid for Brides
An intricate, twisted mermaid braid with many Topsy-Turvy turns, this bridal hairstyle is arranged by hand to get those perfect edges and adorned with hair accessories, which make it the perfect festive look.
III. Pull Through Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
13. Pull Through Pigtail Braids for Long Blonde Hair
Not an actual braid, but a pull-through braid, these cute-looking pigtails are both girly and chic!
14. Pull Through Braided Hairstyle with Scrunchies
As buoyant and sophisticated it looks, as easy it is to make this long ponytail with pull-through strands. Simply start by sectioning your hair in one ponytail and separating the lower part to insert the ponytail through it. Before pulling it, put a scrunchie over it.
15. Single Braid For Long Hair with Pulled Out Strands
On the opposite side of the braided spectrum, we have this single braid with pulled-out strands for an ultra-messy effect. After braiding, start pulling out, but not entirely, little tendrils to create this effect. Use hairspray to fixate the whole look.
16. Braided Pigtails with Pulled-out Strands of Hair
This time, section the hair in two equal sides and braid two classic pigtails. Take the strands and press them to create this flattened, messy look for your braids.
17. The Double Pull Through Braid
A new challenge for your braiding skills, this braid requires double the effort but the satisfaction will also be doubled!
18. Three Strand Pull-Through Braid
Combining a french-style braiding technique, this pull-through braid involves using three strands instead of two.
IV. French Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
19. Thin French Braid with Free Falling Hair
Section two small part of hair on each side of your forehead using a thin comb. Start braiding three-strand tails and secure them with an elastic band. Leave the rest of the hair free falling.
20. French Style Braided Space Buns with Ribbons
So feminine and playful, this braid variation is also suited for layered haircuts, since the braiding starts right at the nape and goes upwards for a reversed french-style braiding. Leave half of the braids free and shape them in ribbons instead of classical space buns.
21. Messy French Braid For Long Hair
This french braid is made to resemble a mermaid braid, except the strands are very visible and the messy effect is obtained by pulling out a bit of every part of the braid.
22. Side-Swept French Braid with Free – falling Long Hair
To replicate this look start by parting your hair and then separate a small section to create the three strands necessary for the french braid.
23. French Braid with Woven Ribbon
Take a small section from the center top of your head and tie a ribbon or scarf around it. This section will be the center section of your braid.
Take a section on either side of the center one, add the ends of the scarf to those outside sections, and begin French braiding about halfway down your head, and then continue a regular braid down to the ends of your hair.
V. Dutch Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
24. Side-braided Dutch Braid with Side Part for Long Free Falling Hair
For this Dutch-style braid, instead of braiding over the strand, like you normally do in the case of the French braid, you will be crossing the strands under.
25. Wrap-around Dutch Ribbon Braid
For this special dutch braid, use a hair scarf or a simple headband that you will fixate at the top of your hair and use it for your three-strand braiding.
26. Double waterfall With A Side Dutch Braid with 2 Three Strand Braids Twisted in
This Waterfall Braid with a side dutch braid with other 2 braids twisted in, sure looks complicated and it’s not for beginners. Before trying to replicate this look you should watch a tutorial about waterfall braids and after see how you can combine it with other types of braids.
27. Half Dutch Braids with Hair Scarf
This look is actually two side braids that are connected using a hair scarf tied in a ribbon at the back for a girly look.
28. Single Dutch Braid with Ribbon
Section off a large oval on the back of your head, from the crown to the nape. Clip the two front sections out of the way. Dutch braid the center section down to the nape and secure it with an elastic.
Pull the front sections back to a ponytail (with the braid) at your nape and secure with another elastic.
VI. Unique Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
29. Infinity Braid for Long Hair with Colored Hair Piece
Similar to the fishtail braiding technique, the infinity braid makes for a perfect summer updo thanks to the tight and sleek resulting braid.
30. Waterfall Braids for Long Hair
These tiny, microscopical waterfall braids create a strong optical illusion, making it look as if the woven braiding technique was used when actually is all about starting with thin strands of hair that you will drop after and replace with a new thin strand after braiding them.
31. Dragon Braid with Free Ponytail
This ridged, wavy texture resembling dragon’s skin is created with a special braiding technique and finished off with loose curls and a low ponytail.
32. Josephine Knot Low Ponytail
Named after the famous wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, this knot originates from the Orient and is both a macrame- technique as well as a braiding style. It looks intricate and fascinating nonetheless.
33. Half-free Half braided Long Hair with Low Ponytail
A combination of smooth and textured finishes on the hair, This half braided, half free updo combines 4 thin braids with a half section in one single low twisted ponytail.
34. Chain-Patterned Braid for Long Hair
As intricate as it may look, this chain-like patterned braid starts with one simple three-strand braid that you will later braid with other four separate strands to create this final result.
35. Boho Braids with Messy Bun
The elegant messy updo we all crave these boho braids combined in a loose messy bun at the back makes for a cool updo for any occasion.
36. Scissors Braids for Long Ashy Balayage Hair
Similar to the Waterfall Braids, but a bit more complicated, these horizontal thin braids require both skill and dedication since they will take time to perfect the look.
37. Celtic Knot Braided Hairstyle for Long Blonde Hair
This special braiding technique inspired by the insular art is one of those things that look more complicated than they are. The perfect summer quick half-up, half-down look!
38. Side Braids with Voluminous Ponytail
A great half-braided, half-loose hairstyle is the way to wear your day-to-day hair. This updo requires a little patience and some bobby pins to secure the side braids with the rest of the hair.
39. Cage Braid with Hair Accessory
Another intricate hair design, this cage braid, requires minimal skills and looks great paired with contrasting color accessories.
40. DNA Shaped-braid for Long Hair
This intricate hairstyle requires a high level of dedication and patience to be created. The final look should resemble the design of the DNA molecule.
41. Topsy- Turvy Tail Braids for Long Blonde Hair
Not your usual braided pigtails, these cute, fluffy Topsy braids are a cool way to enhance your outfit and makeup.
42. Beach-style Braid with Free Falling Hair and Shell Accessories
Speaking of outfits, this beachwear-inspired braid half-up, half-down look requires around 6 shell-shaped hairpins to decorate your horizontal braid.
43. Twisty Double Buns
The easiest way to put your hair up, is this twisty hairstyle requires you to section your hair in two equal parts and slowly start twisting them in two braids that you will later put in a bun secured with hairpins and let the front pieces hang freely.
44. Topsy Tail Braided Hairstyle for Long Hair
Moving on to a more neat, carefully combed hairstyle, this Topsy tail was braided using a woven technique that is not for the left-handed!
45. Braided Elements on The Back of The Head and Fishbone Braided Bun
Start by sectioning your crown hair in a French-style braid and bring it together with a low fishtail coiled at the base of the nape in an intricate bun.
46. Twisted Low Ponytail for Long Balayage Hair
This easy-to-make twisted ponytail starts by making a simple low ponytail and separating after that in two strands that you can twist and intertwine to create this voluminous stylish twisted ponytail.
47. Ladder Braided Hairstyle for Long Hair
Called so because it resembles a ladder, this intricate hairstyle requires many exercises in order to nail this look.
48. Milk Maid Braid With a Hair Tie Braided In
This Milk Maid Braid with a twist requires you to add a hair scarf to your three-strand braid to create this colorful feminine look. Perfect for adding extra volume and dimension too!
49. Messy Double Braided Hairstyle for Long Hair with Flower pins
For those with long full hair or wearing hair extensions, these double braids are styled for the perfect vacation style, with floral hairpins and a loose braiding technique.
50. Bridal Braided Hairstyle with Low Bun
This intricate hairstyle starts with a simple side braid that you will later incorporate in your full-head braid and bring them together in a low bun. Use a bit of hair mousse to create this neat, clean finish.
51. Half Updo with Two Dutch Braids into A Bun
These half-feed-in braids will add extra inches and extra coolness to your typical half-up half-down updo and they also require minimal effort to be made.
VII. Caucasian Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
52. The Simple 3-Strand Braid Hairstyle
The first entry on this guide to the various braid hairstyles for long hair must be the simplest of them all and the one braiding style that everyone will learn or just simply knows! Just take a strand of hair, divide it into three, and then simply braid the leftmost strand over the central strand, then the rightmost locks over the new central ones, repeat, and that is it!
53. French Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
Now that we’ve all got our first taste of braiding hair and basically learned its basics, it’s time to move on to the famous French braid. Although it looks slightly more complicated than the traditional 3-strand braid, it is quite easy to make and based on it. You will need to separate a thicker strand of hair that you will then start braiding it in a classic way. However, after a few rows, you will start incorporating the free hair into the French braid as well.
54. Dutch Braid Hairstyles
The even more complex-looking Dutch braid is nevertheless just as simple to make once you’ve mastered the French braid. Why? Because you will be using the same braiding technique only instead of braiding over the strand, you will be crossing the strands under. The Dutch braid is also called “the reverse French braid” for reasons simple to understand once you’ve learned how to do a Dutch braid.
55. Reverse Braid Styles
The eyes are not playing tricks on us as this is, in fact, a Dutch braid, but this style is most commonly referred to as a “reverse braid”. Most reverse braids are usually made using the French or Dutch braiding techniques, but some have tried doing reverse fishtails as well, for example.
56. Fishtail Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
Fishtails might just be the best braid hairstyles for long hair to save you on a hurried morning when those locks aren’t as fresh as you’d want them to be. After all, as anyone will agree, the messiness is part of the beauty of a fishtail braid.
To make a fishtail, you will have to divide your hair into two thick strands. Then, take a thin strand from the left section, and cross and incorporate it into the right section. After that, repeat the action with a thin strand of right hair taken to the left side. Continue alternating sides until you’ve reached the end of the hair.
57. Pull Through Braid Hairstyles
There’s nothing easier to do than a pull-through braid which, as you’ll see, involves no actual braiding. You will be working with a series of high ponytails. After two of them are in place, you will have to split pony 1 into two sections and then pull ponytail 2 through them. Seems tricky? There are many tutorials and step-by-step guides to help you conquer the pull-through braiding technique.
58. The 4-Strand Braid Hairstyle
After many quick, simple, and fast braiding techniques, we are presenting you with a braid style that will require a bit more patience and nimble fingers. A 4-strand braid is a sort of ‘weaved’ braid to achieve it, you will be weaving a strand of hair over two strands.
To put it simply, after separating four strands of hair, take the outermost right one, cross it over the innermost right hand and then under the innermost left strand, and leave it there. Repeat the same motion, but from the left to the right.
59. The Rope Twisted Braid Look
Moving on to ever more complex braid hairstyles for long hair (at least in appearance) know that the rope twist braid or simply rope braid can be beautifully worn by ladies with bangs too. We recommend reserving some time when you first try it out and also following a great rope braid tutorial (such as this one).
60. The Dragon Tail Braid
The name is self-explanatory but, before getting scared of it, know that the so-called dragon tail braid is actually based on the pull-through technique. This style never quite reached the trend status some predicted for it, but it is undoubtedly an edgier look – perfect for a special occasion.
61. Braided Pigtails
Last but not least for this section, we’re ending with a sneak peak at what is still to come. After all, braided pigtails bring the magic of braids to one of the simplest and cutest hairstyles associated to childhood: pigtails. Nonetheless, nowadays, you can sport pigtails and do it style even (or especially) as an adult.
VIII. African American Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
62. Cornrow Hairstyles
We are now stepping into the wonderful world of Afro-inspired braid hairstyles for long hair and the first entry must be about cornrows. This is a complex looking braiding technique that comes with a load of benefits. Cornrows are a great way to protect natural hair as it is growing out and also help the locks revitalize after heat damage. Did we mention that they are fun and cool-looking too?
63. Box Braids Hairstyles for Long Hair
Box braids are yet another extremely useful and chic protective hairstyle that has also been going through a style comeback and revival. Know that they are made using hair extensions and we’d recommend asking for professional help. Also, read informative articles to find out all there is to know about them, especially if it is the first time you are trying out this hairstyle.
64. Yarn Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
What you see (and read) is what you get and yes, as the name points out, these are, indeed, braids made with yarn. Apart from being protective, one cool thing about them is that you will not have to use hair extensions, per se. And seeing as they are made with yarn, these braids can be as colorful as you want them to be – and without damaging the hair either!
65. Goddess Braids
Goddess braids hairstyles for long hair are a must-know hairstyle and one of the first things you will discover is that they can be done on both natural hair and wavy hair. Another thing is that they are cornrow-like braids – because they too are made very close to the roots – but they are generally thicker than cornrows. As with their sister braids, they too can be styled in many different ways.
66. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids have several names as you will also find them listed as straightbacks, Cherokee braids, or even Banana braids. They are usually made using hair extensions that help give them more thickness. That is one of the main differences between them and the traditional cornrows technique used in making them.
Ghana braids have a long history behind them and were usually made straight. Still, nowadays, you can also get them in zigzag or curved patterns, for example.
IX. Braided Updos Hairstyles for Long Hair
67. Crown Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
Now that you have seen the many and various braiding techniques, it’s time to take a closer look at the pretties braided updo hairstyles for long hair. First up, is the beautiful and expected crown braid style. There are many ways to make a crown braid so we recommend testing them out to see which you like best.
68. The Milkmaid Braids Style
A braided updo that has been making a comeback, milkmaid braids are now so popular that they’ve made it onto the Red Carpet! Simple yet intricate, you will have to separate two sections of hair, braid them, and then bring them together on the crown of the head and pin them one under the other. Once you’ve mastered them, you can also try going for double ‘crowns’.
69. The Braided Bun
Take the classic bun up a notch by braiding it! There are several ways to go around this as you can choose to braid all the hair and style it into a bun. Or, you can start with a ponytail base, braid it up in the preferred technique, and then finish it in a bun.
70. Braided Space Buns
We’ve discussed braided pigtails but what about braided space buns? This is yet another hairstyle that went from festival fun to everyday enjoyment and one of the best things about it is that it is as versatile as it gets and also as fast. As with the style above, you can either braid just the buns or start from braids that you then style into double space buns.
71. Bun and Braid Hairstyle
While the braid updo hairstyles for long hair from above were more about fun and games, this bun and braid style is all about elegance and refinement. The hairstyle combines a perfectly executed French braid styled in a crown-like fashion with a low and elegant nape-level bun. The thin, face-framing strands help complete and finish the look.
X. Half-Up Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
72. The Waterfall Braid Look
In this four and final section, we’ll be showing you several half-up, half-down hairstyles that will of course include braids. The waterfall braid is the first such style (and an impossible to miss one). There are many tutorials and articles that can help you make a waterfall braid, this is a romantic and yet simple to achieve look.
73. Half-Up, Half-Down Braided Crown Look
While once upon a time the crown braid gathered up all the hair, in recent times, hairstyle trends have been more on the loose, messy, and casual side. So in comes the more everyday version of the crown: the half-up crown braid. The lady in this photo is sporting a messy yet beautiful double Dutch braids crown while the rest of the hair is flowing free down her back.
74. Half Updo with 6-Strand Braid
You’ve seen 3-strand and 4-strand braids, but how about 6-strand ones? That’s right, this photo not only goes to show a beautifully loose 6-strand but also how it can be worn in a half-updo. Once you’ve learned how to braid a 6-strand, play around with it yourself!
75. Loose Boho Braids
Both braids and long hair are elements traditionally associated with bohemian or boho hairstyles, and this photo shows one of the beautiful ways to combine them. This French-style braid is so loose and messy, that it can just as well be categorized as a half-down style.
76. Half Braided Ponytails
Why go full braid when you can stop at the middle and get a whole new look? Instead of braiding all the hair in the technique of your choice, stop just as soon as you’ve reached the neck and let the rest of the hair flow free, ponytail-style.
77. Side Braids Hairstyles
While many will consider braiding all the hair or playing around with braided updos for long hair or half-up braids, also take into account that you can incorporate slimmer, thin braids into the hair. Take this gal, for example, as she proudly sports wavy slightly messy hair styled with just one braid on the left side of the head.
78. Braided Top and Loose Hair
Braided pigtails are one thing, but why not braid only the hair on the very top of the head? After creating the three braids on top, unite them in a very high ponytail on the crown of the head. Tease up the pony for a bit of extra volume and leave some strands free for a faux-messy look.
79. Braided Fauxhawk Look
The fauxhawk is the perfect solution for gals looking to get a mohawk-style look but unwilling to shave off the sides of their sides. Take things up a style notch and braid the fauxhawk as intricately as possible – see how well this showcases the various highlights in the hair too!
80. The Mermaid Braid
Oh so intricate but actually so simple! To make a mermaid braid, especially the first few times, you will need time and patience – but things will be a breeze once you’ve got the hang of it. After all, this hairstyle uses just one actual ponytail while the rests are all ponytails and twists!
81. Braided Half Ponytail Hairstyles for Long Hair
Similar in making to the half braids we presented a bit earlier on, but with one major difference: the half-up updo. These pull-through half braids also end at neck level but, contrary to their hair encompassing counterparts, the rest of the hair falls free and wavy with this hairstyle.
Conclusion
These are only a small part of the Braided Hairstyle for long hair the world has to offer. Make sure to exercise and start with the simple ones such as double braids, classic fishtail braids and moving on to more complicated ones such as Waterfall Braids or Braided Space Buns. No matter which one you choose, your efforts will not go unnoticed!